It’s A Wonderful Life Adapted by Mary Elliott Nelson, Marine Theatre – Lyme Regis | until 22 December 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by Cormac Richards

Photo credit: Harry Smith

It’s A Wonderful Life

Adapted by Mary Elliott Nelson

Marine Theatre – Lyme Regis | until 22 December 2025.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by Cormac Richards

“Hugely entertaining and moving”.

The short, self-published, 1943 story ‘The Greatest Gift’ by Philip van Doren Stern was probably never meant to be celebrated for so many decades, and indeed it isn’t, except in its adaptation to celluloid as ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ made in 1946. With a few echoes of ‘A Christmas Carol’, the tale of George Bailey’s life, a good man, fallen on hard times and contemplating suicide, only to be saved by a guardian angel, is justly celebrated. Poignant, touching and full of warmth, Mary Elliott Nelson’s adaptation, first staged in 2000, is categorised as a “reimagining” – having not seen the film for over 50 years, no comparisons with the film, or, indeed the short story will be drawn. Suffice to say, this is a delightful and heartfelt play and the perfect production for Christmas.

Gilroy Theatre’s production at the Marine Theatre is simply staged to overcome the constant moves between locations, so suggestive settings are presented. The story is everything though and in the hands of a really excellent cast of actors, the production achieves all it set out to do. Central to the effectiveness of the play is the presentation of George Bailey; Nick Wilkes offers a performance of depth and skill as the ‘everyman’ character. It is a mammoth role and played with a likeability and an ease, commanding the stage throughout. Paul Lavers has a wonderful charm and vulnerability as Clarence, the guardian angel desperately trying to save George. The role is something of a narrator throughout and Lavers gives it exactly the right tone and emotional edge.

Ray Murphy takes on several roles, all of which are incredibly distinct from each other, but he shines especially brightly as the lovable and, almost childlike, Uncle Billy, an exquisitely drawn character and a standout performance. Also taking on a number of roles, Victoria Porter is excellent as the hard-nosed Mrs Potter, the real villain of the piece, which she plays with relish. Jessica Olim is the epitomy of the faithful loving wife and mother, Mary, in a performance which is pitched perfectly. Archie Rowell, likewise, in his various roles, offers strong characterisation and great stage presence, as does Mitch Capaldi, whose Mr Martini is wonderfully larger than life and adds a certain comic element to proceedings.

An excellent cast is augmented by members of the Young Company of the Marine Youth Theatre, for which it must be an exciting experience to be involved.

Though the script is a little uneven in places and moves around quickly from place to place, Su Gilroy’s careful direction always ensures the story-telling is paramount and shines through. Technically there are a few small hitches with cues and maybe the music could fade out rather more gently than just cutting out dead, at times it could be used in more of an underscoring capacity perhaps. That said, the dramatic effects when the story lurches back in time to a world without George Bailey, is very successful.

This is a hugely entertaining and moving production of a lovely story and an ideal piece of Christmas.

It is lovely to hear that the Gilroy Theatre repertory season, which has played at this theatre for the last two summers, will return in 2026 – good news for the people of Lyme Regis and for repertory theatre.

Cast

George Bailey – Nick Wilkes

Clarence – Paul Lavers

Mary Hatch – Jessica Olim

Violet, Mrs Potter & Gloria – Victoria Porter

Uncle Billy, Mr Gower & Sam – Ray Murphy

Bert, Harry & Joseph – Archie Rowell

Mr Martini – Mitch Capaldi

Young Company – Tim Bunker, Isla Clayton, Mike Moles, Lilly Robbie, Isla Kelly, Jeanie Lamb, Elin Lathey, Ramona Rabbits

Creatives

Adaptation by Mary Elliott Nelson

Artistic Director & Producer – Su Gilroy

Set Design – Gerri Keniger, Vectar Sets, Garald Poisson

Lighting & Sound – Steve Miller

Stage Manager – Mitch Capaldi

Production Assistant – Gary Fish

Photo Credit – Harry Smith